How To Change a Car Battery?

How to change a Car Battery?

A car battery usually lasts 3 to 5 years, and, probably, you won't remember the last time you changed your car battery. Therefore, it is better to take some tips before you embark upon changing the car battery. There are some things to keep in mind for safety. The steps to be followed before changing your car battery are given here.

Photo Credit: caremycars.com

Steps to change a car battery:

• Understand if you need to replace the battery- If you left the car open for a long time, or if your headlights were switched on overnight, it is possible that your car battery has just drained, and it is okay to use. Try recharging the battery using jumpstart cables. Connect the positive of the battery with the positive of a car with a charged battery. Also, connect the jumpstart cable on the negative of both the cars. Start the car with the charged battery. Next, start the car with the weak battery, and if it starts up, you are sorted. You don't need to replace the battery.
• Need for change- If jumpstarting your battery does not help or is too weak and gets discharged very easily, you might need a replacement battery. Therefore you need to buy a new battery.
• Setting up the car for replacement- Park the car on a flat surface away from any disturbance. Next, check that the battery is cool, and then only you can operate on the car.
• Removing the battery- Check the positive and negative terminals of the battery via the '+' and '-'sign. Use a socket wrench to loosen the battery. Always start from the negative side. To remove the battery, you can use socket extensions.

• Clean the battery terminals- It is highly probable that the terminals have faced some corrosion which can be identified by a green tinge. A solution of baking soda and water can be used to clean the corrosion. Just use a brush to remove the corrosion instead of a cloth or naked hands.
• Installing the new battery- Check the positive and negative terminal of the battery and place the battery in place accordingly. Install the clamps the way you uninstalled the clamps. Make sure that the battery is firmly in place and tightened adequately. Remember that while installing, install the positive terminal first. Your battery is installed now, and you can close the car's hood. Contact a mechanic and check what he does if you face any problems. If you are not an expert at first, you will surely be an expert by the second time.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com